Malayan Banyan, Astrid HillTanvi Gupta, 14, studentTanvi’s first impression of the banyan tree along Astrid Hill was that of a giant broccoli thatdwarfs all the houses around it. The roots of this banyan have invaded the pavement, curb androad, creating “waterfall” effect of roots on the little hill.While the tree’s location in a backyard along an affluent narrow street saves it from the crowds,it makes it hard for photography enthusiasts like herself to capture the tree in a full frame. Shehas come here in the evenings with a tripod to catch the view using long exposure, but hadbeen questioned by residents if she was trying to sneak a picture of the house behind. “I toldthem I just wanted a picture of the tree!” she said. “They looked like they didn’t understand.”
